Elvis on the Titanic

Chapter 16 - The Verdict

"Well, was she hit or not?"

We all looked back at the huge iceberg that was in the distance. My heart still raced for fear that the ship had been hit. "I have no idea, Wendell," I said. "I'm gonna go up and talk with the captain."

"I'm coming with you," Liz said.

I gave her a little smile. This woman really became something special to me. "Okay." I looked at the guys. "We'll be back. Don't go anywhere."

"We'll stay right here as before," Brody said, and Liz and I went back up to the bridge area. There stood a few of the crew outside of the door leading to it, and the Captain, Mr. Murdoch and Mr. Andrews were a couple of them. They, as well as the few men with them, looked over at Liz and me.

"Mr. Presley..." Captain Smith began, "you were correct this whole time. My sincerest apologizes."

"There is no need to apologize, Captain. I just wanna know... was she hit? Please say she wasn't."

"I called down to the boiler rooms, each one, and they said they could not find any damage. I think we barely missed that iceberg, and because we all were too confident to not change course long ago."

I saw the worry in his aged eyes. "Sir, all that doesn't matter now. I think it would be wise to keep a close eye on the horizon for any other massive hunks of ice."

"Yes, that would be a wise idea. I had already let the men know up at the bird tower." He suddenly stood tall, and he held out his hand. "I want to formally thank you for saving this ship and everyone on it, Mr. Presley."

I shook his hand, feeling flattered. I really did save the ship and all her passengers. Because of me, history was changed. "Thank you."

"I think the man should be named a hero," said Mr. Andrews.

"Yes, I agree," said Mr. Murdoch.

"Oh, no, that's not necessary," I said, but then Liz grabbed hold of my arm.

"Why not take the title, Elvis?" she asked. "Do you know how many lives you saved by telling these men about the iceberg? How many people did you say we going to die tonight had the ship hit it?"

"1,526," Mr. Andrews said, and his eye twinkled. I smirked. I might as well.

"I would be honored, Captain Smith."

"Captain!"

We all turned to see Mr. Ismay canter up to us, himself in a long black coat, most likely made of wool, and he wore a black hat. All of his facial features were full of alarm and worry.

"I received word of a massive iceberg! Was she hit?"

Captain Smith made a glance at me, then looked back at a frantic Mr. Ismay. "Thankfully, no, thanks to Mr. Presley here who tried to warn of the iceberg, but no one would listen, aside from Mr. Andrews. We turned the ship as quickly as we could, when it should have been done days ago."

"Oh Lord..." Mr. Ismay enthused and his gaze went to me, bewilderment in his eyes. "You were right this whole time."

"Indeed, he was," said Mr. Andrews. "The captain wants to brand him a hero. What say you?"

Mr. Ismay still stared at me, as if trying to believe that I was right about all this. He stood tall, his chin up. "I say that it is a splendid idea. I must thank you for saving my ship."

He held out his hand, and I shook it. "Thank you, really, but... I think the true heroes are the people who managed to maneuver this ship out of the way of the iceberg. I was only the person who relayed the message."